Austin Weekend Guide: May 8-10

It's going to be a loud weekend in Austin. Psych Fest takes over the south side, Pecan Street rolls into Bee Cave, and the rest of the city does what it always does in May. Here's where to go.

Saturday Morning Pick

Get to Barton Creek Farmers Market before 10 a.m. It runs Saturdays year-round from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Barton Creek Square Mall, and parking is free. Strawberry season is winding down, asparagus and squash are in, and a few stalls are already pushing Fredericksburg peaches. Live music plays out by the booths. Grab a kolache, walk the rows, and you'll be back in your kitchen by lunch.

Brunch Worth the Wait

Bouldin Creek Cafe at South 1st and West Mary still has a line that spills onto the sidewalk on Saturdays. The veggie chorizo migas tacos and the Wanna-BLTA are worth the 30-minute wait. If you want something fancier, Suerte on East 6th made OpenTable's top 100 brunch list this year. Order the chilaquiles, the smoked lengua hash, or the suadero tacos. Reservations go fast on Sundays. Walk-ins should plan to wait 45 minutes after 11.

Live Music This Weekend

Austin Psych Fest runs all three days at The Far Out Lounge on Manchaca. Friday night closes with The Flaming Lips, with DIIV, MOMMA, Boogarins, and Holy Wave filling out the bill before them. Doors at 4 p.m., three-day passes still available but moving fast. If a festival isn't your speed, Garrett T. Capps drops a new record at Sahara Lounge on Friday at 8 p.m. with Croy & the Boys and Los Texmaniacs. Saturday night, head to Antone's downtown for Charlotte's Web at 9 p.m., or catch Sammy Virji at the Mohawk if you want a louder room.

Sunday Chill

The Pecan Street Festival hits its 51st year and it's out at Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave now, not downtown. Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free entry, free parking, 300-plus juried artists, fair food, and live music on multiple stages. It's an easy slow afternoon if you take it that way. Bring cash for the smaller booths and plan a 30-minute drive each way.

Local Hidden Gem

The Butterfly Bar on Springdale tucks into a community garden behind Vortex Theater. Most Austinites have driven past it a hundred times without noticing. Cocktails are sharp, the rotating food truck out back keeps things interesting, and there's usually a play, dance piece, or local band happening on the patio. Sit in the garden after dark when the string lights are on.

ATX Weekly App Tip

💡 ATX Weekly Tip: Open the app's Live Music filter and toggle 'Tonight' to pull every show within a five-mile radius. It's the fastest way to figure out where to land if Psych Fest doesn't have your bands. The map view also flags walk-ins versus ticketed events.